March is the month of Town meetings and elections, Women’s History, and in this issue – owls!
In the March 2023 issue, you’ll find information about candidates for town offices, dates for the DWCC’s annual Pre-Town Meeting (March 14) and the official Town Meeting (March 18), ballot questions, and warrant articles. Also, Susan Peters provides background information on article 3, pertaining to a proposal to opt into the Cheshire Community Power Plan. This is a big undertaking, part of an effort to mitigate rising utility costs, and we urge you to take the time to inform yourself before voting!
This month, our front page highlights Dublin’s own Emerson Sistare, the new owner of the Monadnock region’s Toadstool Bookshops, and Charlie Lasky, a junior at the Putney School in Vermont, who is making a difference through the leadership development program Friends Forever International.
News from the Library highlights crafting opportunities for kids and adults during National Craft Month, as well as new books and ongoing programs. If you’re looking for something special to read while we wait for spring, new books from Monadnock authors are available online and at local booksellers.
Tom Warren and Lucy Shonk have ice skating on their minds! Tom is focused on ice safety, and Lucy remembers the fun of contra dancing on Dublin Lake in days gone by.
Our ConVal School Board representative shares information about the next Community Forum, focused on the budget, and on longer term consolidation and reconfiguration of local schools. The Dublin Christian Academy celebrated their traditional Winter Bible Conference, and the Recreation Committee is planning a “Sugar on Snow” event at Dublin School to celebrate maple sugaring season.
The DubHub is hopping this month with special programs including an art exhibit, reception, and demonstration by artist Phil Bean, as well as a scarf/tie/bandana exchange. A community lunch will be offered on March 16. Naturalist Susie Spikol of the Harris Center will present a special family program on wildlife watching.
The Harris Center will also offer families an “Owl Prowl” in Dublin (to learn more about owls see Tom Warren’s article “Owls, the Early Nesters”), and a “spring warm-up” hike to watch for the first signs of spring. Be sure to check out the Harris Center summer camp programs – registration begins March 1.
DublinArts and Muse Gallery has a number of programs scheduled in March, including a lively show by Eve Pierce and Gordon Peery, “Songs of Love, Silliness and Hope.” Looking ahead, DublinArts is making plans to celebrate the Bard’s birthday on April 23 – if you would like to participate by reading one or more of Shakespeare’s 154 sonnets, email Molly McDowell.
Our Enthusiastic Recommender Judy Mortner has another “hidden gem” in our region to share – Sidehill Jams. And Music on Norway Pond has two concerts planned, both featuring award-winning musicians from the New England Conservatory.
It’s appropriate to recognize some amazing Dublin women this month. We note with sadness the passing of Marge Switzer in January, longtime medical professional and environmentalist, with a passion for adventurous travel and deep love for her family. We remember Doris Haddock, known as “Granny D,” who set the bar high for women and men alike in using every last moment of a long life to work for justice and change. And we note the professional advancement of Ying Simpson, newly minted CPA.
The Trustees of the Trust Funds announce that scholarship applications will be available April 1. The scholarships support Dublin residents planning to continue their education beyond secondary school.
Local nonprofits End 68 Hours of Hunger, Community Volunteer Transportation Company, and Monadnock Family Services can use your help. A free community take-out supper is offered at the Dublin Community Church on March 28.
So hang in there – spring is nearly here! Enjoy the Advocate, and please support our advertisers!